Applications open for farm credit banks' AgLaunch365 program

AgLaunch Initiative recently announced applications are open for Phase I of its nationally recognized commercialization approach - AgLaunch365. The program combines its leading accelerator approach with its network of innovative farmers in a flexible wrap-around model that revolves around the agricultural production cycle.

Teams that are accepted into AgLaunch365 are eligible to receive pre-seed investment from Innova Ag Innovation Fund, a $31 million Rural Business Investment Company whose limited partners are eight farm credit banks.

Here are a few of the tools that AgLaunch365 participants will have access to:
Customized programming focused on agriculture from AgLaunch and lean method approach to scale growth and operations from Start Co.

Support from a national network of agricultural-focused mentors and service providers including Archer Malmo and Baker Donelson

Pre-seed investment and access to our network of ag & food VCs

Commercial scale field trials supported by a cost-share program

AgLaunch365 operates in three phases (business model, field plan, and implementation) over a 1 year period, allowing startups to participate in the phase or phases that are relevant to each company's stage of growth. Entrepreneurs who participate in Phase I will have dedicated blocks of time for programming in Memphis, Tennessee, but also have flexibility to travel or be in the field to conduct normal business and assignments in-between programming.

Applications for Phase I are due by 5 p.m. CT on Monday, August 13, 2018. Phase I starts the first week of October 2018.